One month ago on Valentine’s Day, like any other millennial, upon finishing my shift at work I instinctively reached for my phone. Expecting to see obnoxious posts from couples declaring their love for each other, instead I saw two words splashed across Twitter: “shooting” and “Florida.”
Ten, or even five years ago this would have shocked me. Unfortunately, this was just another Wednesday.
The millennial generation is one that has been raised on tragedy; beginning with Columbine shootings and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, I believe we have become desensitized to the ever-present violence in our world.
And yet, something is different this time around.
My generation is often criticized for being narcissistic, technology obsessed and unrealistic. We are too sensitive, too vain, and only really care about enjoying our avocado toast at Sunday brunch.
Some of these stereotypes are true; some are exaggerations. I would also say, however, that my generation is one of the most connected in history. We have the technology and the tools to be engaged in what is happening in the world around us. We have the ability to research and look in to what we don’t understand with the press of a button or even, with the help of Siri. We are able to learn far more than the generations before us, about people who do not live or look like us. As a result, I believe the millennial generation is one of the most empathetic generations, and the most hungry for change: change our world desperately needs.
The teenage victims of the Parkland, Florida shooting have used technology and social media to organize themselves and demand change in a way America has never seen. These teens are eloquent, passionate and determined.
Many politicians and NRA supporters were quick to criticize the teens, falling back on the millennial trope: “They are unrealistic.” “They are children who are too emotional.” “They should stick to taking selfies.”
The teens did not back down, and walked out of their schools all across the country and toward the White House, demanding legislation to ensure another tragedy – the kind a generation has been raised on – never happens again. They have demanded that we do not forget the 17 lives lost, as we so quickly tend to. There is something both incredibly inspiring and absolutely heartbreaking about this movement.
People in my generation have used their abilities to connect through social media to share our stories and injustices, and to demand change and evoke empathy. I believe this says volumes about the state of our world. The fact that the adults across America and the world have allowed the millennial generation to grow up surrounded by violence is atrocious. The children in Parkland, and across North America are demanding change, and I believe they are more powerful than the generations before us can even understand.
I stand with the teens in Parkland, the young people in our city, and any and all young people who are using their voices to demand change.
Let us never allow another tragedy like this again.
Jennifer Hamilton is a local student and writer.
